DISCOVER | Wintry Family Adventure
PENDLETON In Pendleton , the Friends of Falls Park has their
Christmas lights show for visitors .
“ Our light show happens every night from dusk until dawn until the end of the year ,” said Dusten Tryon , of Friends of Falls Park . “ It ’ s free , and people can drive or walk through the park and enjoy the lights . We invite people to come and visit the shops and restaurants in Pendleton . Our farmer ’ s markets on Saturdays start in May .”
ELWOOD
In case of a big snowfall , head for winter outdoor fun at a hill recommended by Christy Clark , Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Elwood .
“ As far as sledding in Elwood , Rock Garden is an area that families visit to sled . Rock Garden is located just south of Elwood Elementary School on North 19th Street ,” Clark said .
Elwood has a new offering at the Elwood Golf Links , located at 9273 County Road 1050 N . Dakin Updegraff said visitors can enjoy playing on golf simulators , which are open daily from 8 a . m . to 8 p . m . Bring in your own snacks and drinks , and even schedule lessons with a PGA-certified golf pro . Tee times must be scheduled in advance and all ages are welcome . Go to https :// elwoodgolflinks . com
ANDERSON The City of Anderson offers chances to keep your toes warm as well as places to bundle up and face the
frosty air . The Geater Center , 1611 Chase Street , offers an open gym from 8 a . m . to 7 p . m ., as one option .
“ Winter in the parks has indoor and outdoor activities ,” said Jill McMillen of the City of Anderson . “ We ’ ve got a skating rink downtown . It ’ s a wonderful resource for free skating , free skates , and hot chocolate is available . They play music and there are lights . It ’ s a great time .”
Regular hours for the Skating Rink at Dickmann Town Center are M-F from 3 p . m . to 9 p . m .; Saturday 10 a . m . to 9 p . m .; Sunday noon to 6 p . m . Holiday hours vary , and the rink closes for the season February 4 , 2024 .
In addition to planning special days and activities for leisure time , families have opportunities to make regular days more fun for kids , according to McMillen .
“ The Parks Department partners with local services and offers free e-learning assistance ,” she said . “ There are paraprofessionals to help with the academics in the morning . Lunch is provided . Once their requirements are met , in the afternoon the kids have options to use the open gym , do arts and crafts , and more .”
To register students to enjoy getting e-learning day help , https :// www . cityofanderson . com then go to “ Parks & Rec Shelters and Programs .”
“ People are just constantly gathering to build community and come together for charity and fundraising ,” McMillen said . “ It might be at the Paramount or someone has a breakfast or the Salvation Army has a toy drive . Anderson has a wonderful smalltown feel where you ’ re with your family enjoying your time together .”
24 | Spring 2024